Head of Legal

Roles and responsibilities

• Review and amend agreements drafted by the Business, including NOCs, temporary licenses, Plot and Unit resale agreements, Plot and Unit Termination Agreements, Settlement Agreements and Amendment Agreements
• etc. Liaising with Dispute lawyers (DH Litigation) to ensure that risk is minimized.
• Review letters, e-mails and notices to be issued by the Business, including those related to off plan Unit sales, infrastructure allocations, service charge waivers, project registration, project cancellation etc. Liaising with Dispute lawyers (DH Litigation) to ensure that risk is minimized.
• Perform on-going review of all real estate precedent documents to identify streamlining/ improvements to processes.
• Review and amend various agreements drafted by the Business for off-plan project launches, including Unit Booking Forms, SPAs and Disclosure Statements; advising the Business on issues arising after SPA execution, including late payments, SPA termination requests, amicable settlement requests, re-sale requests, change in Customer details, etc.
• Review and amend various agreements drafted by the Business, including handover notices, notices related to Unit defects, community issues and occupier evictions etc.
• Advise in respect of Community Management matters, including Owner disputes/complaints, community management and maintenance issues.
• Advise the Business on issues relating to the appointment, activities and termination of agency agreements and other matters arising from broker relationships.
• Review and be alert to legal developments in Dubai and the UAE.
• Keep up to date with laws and procedures relating to the company's business activities.
• Provide administrative and legal support as and when required.

Qualifications, Experiences, Skills:

• Degree in law (LLB) or Masters in law from a recognized university.
• Knowledge of local laws, rules and 4-6 years of relevant experience.
• Good understanding of the real estate and property business and the legal implications.
• Prior experience within a real estate developer is highly preferable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Able to coordinate with numerous stakeholders across the company.
• Sound understanding of the real estate sector and the legal implications of the same.
• Have problem solving skills and a can-do approach/attitude/persistence with a view to achieving necessary results
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, influence, guide and persuade staff at all levels.
• Ability to operate in a confidential, professional, positive team atmosphere.

Desired candidate profile

• Legal Expertise: In-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including contract law, corporate law, employment law, and compliance.

• Contract Management: Proficiency in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, ensuring they align with organizational interests and legal requirements.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify and assess legal risks associated with business operations and develop strategies to mitigate them.

• Advisory Skills: Strong skills in providing legal advice to management and staff on various legal matters, helping them navigate complex legal landscapes.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for conveying legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.

• Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiating terms with external parties, ensuring favorable outcomes for the organization.

• Compliance Monitoring: Skills in developing and implementing compliance programs to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

• Research and Analysis: Strong analytical skills to conduct legal research, analyze case law, and interpret regulations to support decision-making.

• Team Leadership: Experience in managing and developing a legal team, fostering a collaborative and effective work environment.

• Project Management: Ability to manage legal projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

• Crisis Management: Skills in managing legal crises and disputes, including litigation and regulatory investigations.

• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with legal management software and tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency.